Listen to me 103

In Chapter 103 of “Listen to Me,” Sloane feels a mix of excitement and anxiety as she prepares for Benedict’s much-anticipated party. After a cheerful goodbye to Slade, she is surprised to find Daniel waiting for her instead of her grandfather. Their conversation is lighthearted, although Sloane feels a sense of unease when she hears a strange noise in the parking lot. As they walk to the packhouse, the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation for the party, which Sloane finds overwhelming and uninteresting compared to her desire to spend time with her grandfather.

As the day progresses, Sloane notices her peers preparing for the party with elaborate hairstyles and makeup, which makes her feel out of place. When her grandmother Judith encourages her to get ready, Sloane feels the weight of expectations but is comforted by her grandmother’s warm presence. In her room, Sloane struggles with her hair and ultimately opts for a braided bun, feeling a longing for her friend Scarlet’s guidance. Judith arrives with a beautiful heirloom necklace, which adds to Sloane’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with the significance of the gift and her connection to her family’s history.

The emotional climax occurs when Judith helps Sloane with her makeup, transforming her appearance and boosting her confidence. Their bonding moment is filled with warmth and vulnerability, as Sloane expresses gratitude for her grandmother’s presence and support. This connection is particularly poignant given Sloane’s struggles with her family’s past and her relationship with her grandparents. The chapter highlights Sloane’s journey of self-discovery and the importance of familial ties, especially as she prepares to step into a social setting that feels daunting.

As Sloane arrives at the party, she feels a mix of excitement and nerves, especially after receiving compliments from Daniel and her grandfather. However, her confidence is quickly challenged by the disapproving presence of Benedict’s mother, who confronts her harshly for being there uninvited. This encounter leaves Sloane feeling vulnerable and uncertain, setting the stage for potential conflict and further exploration of her place within the pack and her family’s legacy. The chapter concludes with Sloane facing the reality of her situation, encapsulating the themes of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of social dynamics within her world.

**TITLE: Listen to Me 103**

**Chapter 103**

**Sloane**

As I turn to wave a cheerful goodbye to Slade, my heart is light, and I instinctively scan the area for my Grandfather Waylon, eager to share my day. But to my surprise, it’s not him I find waiting for me; instead, it’s Daniel.

“Hey, Daniel!” I call out, my smile brightening as I skip over to him, my excitement palpable.

In the distance, I could have sworn I heard a low snarl echoing from the depths of the parking lot, but when I glance over my shoulder, there’s nothing but shadows and empty spaces. My heart races for a moment, but I shake it off.

“What was that?” he asks, taking my bookbag from my shoulder with a casual ease that makes me feel a little lighter.

“I have no idea. Who knows what goes on around here?” I reply, trying to brush off the unease. “Did you manage to grab my things from Uncle Roman?”

“I did. I’m all set if you’re ready,” he assures me, his tone steady and reassuring.

As we make our way to the packhouse, the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation. The entire pack seems to be caught up in the excitement surrounding Benedict’s party tomorrow, and the hype is almost overwhelming. They’re calling it The Party of the Century.

“Exaggerate much?” I think to myself, rolling my eyes internally.

Honestly, I couldn’t care less about the event. Instead, I head to my room, dropping my things off before spending the evening with Grandpa Waylon, poring over the pack’s information.

The first half of Saturday unfolds just like the last, but the energy in the air is even more intense today. All morning, I can’t help but notice girls parading around with their hair in curlers, their faces lit with excitement. As the hours pass, those same girls emerge with extravagant updos and curls, each hair sprayed to perfection, as if they’re preparing for a royal ball. The sheer volume of makeup they wear makes me think that perhaps I should have invested some of the pack’s funds in cosmetics before tonight. We could have been rolling in riches by tomorrow.

By four o’clock, Grandma Judith comes to find me, her voice warm and inviting.

“Sloane, dear, aren’t you going to get ready?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Yeah, I guess I should,” I reply with a resigned sigh, feeling the weight of the evening’s expectations settling on my shoulders.

“I’ll come check on you in a little while,” she says, her tone encouraging.

Once in my room, a wave of longing washes over me, and I wish Scarlet were here. She has a knack for this sort of thing—she would know exactly what to do. I step into the shower, letting the warm water wash away my nerves, then I wash my hair and blow it dry. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I remember Aunt Samara’s advice about a simple low bun. After a few frustrating attempts that leave me feeling defeated, I decide to go for a braided bun instead. At least that way, I can keep my hair tamed and neat throughout the night.

Just as I’m about to slip into my dress, a gentle knock interrupts my thoughts. I open the door to find Grandma Judith standing there, her smile warm and inviting.

“May I come in?” she asks, her voice soft.

“Of course! I was just about to put my dress on,” I say, stepping aside to let her enter.

“Your hair looks lovely, dear. It’s stylish enough for the evening, yet still very much you,” she compliments, her eyes twinkling with pride.

“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a blush creep to my cheeks.

I retrieve the dress from its hiding place, and Grandma Judith holds it up for me, guiding me as I step into it. She carefully zips it up, her hands gentle and reassuring.

“Don’t you look beautiful,” she says, her voice filled with warmth. “But it seems like it’s missing something.”

“Uh, I have shoes. Aunt Samara made sure I had proper shoes,” I remind her, a hint of confusion in my voice.

“Not shoes, dear,” she replies, reaching into her bag and pulling out a delicate, thin box. “This is something special.”

“What’s this?” I ask, curiosity piquing as I take the box from her hands.

“A gift,” she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I frown slightly as I open the box, revealing a stunning necklace and matching earrings. The necklace resembles delicate vines that cascade into a T shape, each vine adorned with small diamonds that catch the light beautifully. The centerpiece is a teardrop emerald, perfectly complementing my dress, while the earrings mirror the elegance of the necklace.

“I can’t accept this,” I whisper, my heart racing. I can’t fathom how she could afford such a treasure.

“Nonsense, my dear. This was a cherished gift from my grandfather to my grandmother. She passed it to my mother, who then gave it to me. Now, I’m passing it to you. It’s an heirloom, Sloane, and I hope you’ll wear it with pride,” she explains, her voice steady and sincere.

“I promised I would never take this necklace off,” I say, clutching my Bestie necklace tightly in my hand.

“You don’t have to. Start a new trend! Many girls these days layer their necklaces. Let’s put it on and see how it looks,” she encourages, her eyes filled with warmth.

She clasps the necklace around my neck, and I insert the earrings, glancing in the mirror once more.

“Oh wow!” I exclaim, my eyes widening in disbelief.

“Stunning, just like you. However, if you’d like, we could enhance your natural beauty. Not like what those girls were wearing earlier. You don’t need all that. You’re beautiful just the way you are. But a little highlight to your eyes and a touch of color on your cheeks would bring out your beauty even more,” she suggests, her tone gentle.

“I don’t know how,” I admit, feeling a bit lost.

“Would you allow me to help?” she asks, her eyes hopeful.

I nod, feeling a surge of excitement. Now that I’ve seen my transformation, I want it to be complete.

She leads me to the bathroom, carefully applying some cream and powder, drawing soft lines around my eyes, and swiping mascara onto my lashes.

“There,” she says, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

I stand and turn to face the mirror, staring in awe at the woman looking back at me. I’ve never felt so beautiful in my life.

“Wow. Thanks, Grandma,” I say, my voice filled with gratitude.

She presses against me, squeezing my shoulders gently. “Thank you for letting me be a part of this night with you. It means so much to me,” she says, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

I’ve always struggled to connect with my grandparents. Most people don’t even realize that my biological father was Waylon’s son. That part of my family’s history has remained shrouded in mystery. The tragic tale of my mother murdering her family and her fated mate, my father, is well known, yet somehow, no one ever discovered who my father truly was.

Feeling a rush of emotion, I turn and wrap my arms around my grandmother, something I’ve never been bold enough to do before. I can sense her struggle to hold back a sob as I hug her tightly.

“Now, we should show your grandfather before you leave. I know he’s anxious to see you,” she says, her voice a mixture of excitement and tenderness.

I nod, taking one last glance at my reflection in the mirror. Grabbing the shawl I bought to match my dress, I follow my grandmother downstairs, my heart racing with anticipation.

As I descend, I hear a low whistle and turn to see Daniel standing there, his eyes wide with admiration.

“Wow, Alpha!” he exclaims, clearly impressed.

“Daniel, why aren’t you at the party?” I ask, knowing he’s still unmated. Most of the party-goers left hours ago.

“Parties aren’t really my thing, Alpha. But have a great time,” he replies, his smile genuine.

I bid farewell to my grandfather, who also chokes up at the sight of me. He hands me the keys to a car, and I make my way to Benedict’s party, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves.

As I arrive, the music thunders from the guard gate, pulsating in my chest.

“Do you have an invitation, ma’am?” the guard asks, his tone professional.

“I do,” I respond, presenting Benedict’s invitation with a sense of pride.

The guard raises an eyebrow but says nothing further. He waves me through, and I drive up to the packhouse, where cars are parked haphazardly, indicating the popularity of the event. I know I’ll have to park quite a distance away.

I miss the last empty spot and end up driving up to the front, where a valet takes my car, a touch of luxury that makes me feel a bit giddy.

Very fancy, indeed.

I gaze at the grand doors that stand open, welcoming me into the festivities. Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders, steeling myself, and step inside the house.

The party is in full swing, and I scan the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Slade, Aunt Samara, or even Uncle Roman. But with so many people in attendance, it feels impossible to locate them.

Just as I’m about to step into the main room, a well-dressed woman strides toward me, her expression sharp and disapproving. She bears a striking resemblance to Benedict and Bethany, and it dawns on me that this must be their mother.

“What are YOU doing here? You were not invited,” she snarls, her voice dripping with disdain.

In the whirlwind of emotions that defined my day, I finally felt a sense of belonging and acceptance, especially as I shared tender moments with Grandma Judith. The heirloom necklace she gifted me became more than just a piece of jewelry; it symbolized the connection I had longed for with my family, bridging the gaps of uncertainty that had lingered in my heart. As I embraced her warmth, I realized that my struggle to connect with my grandparents was not an insurmountable barrier but a journey waiting to be explored. The transformation I underwent, not just in appearance but in spirit, marked a pivotal moment in my life, one where I began to embrace my identity and heritage with pride.

However, as I stepped into the chaotic world of the party, the thrill of my newfound confidence was abruptly challenged by the harsh reality of judgment and exclusion. The disapproving glare from Benedict’s mother served as a stark reminder that acceptance is often accompanied by obstacles. Yet, I felt a flicker of resilience igniting within me. The necklace around my neck, coupled with the love and support from my family, fortified my spirit against the negativity. I was determined to rise above the disdain and carve out my own space in this world, one where I could shine brightly, not just for myself but for those who had believed in me.

In the next chapter, readers can expect a whirlwind of emotions as Sloane navigates the complex dynamics of Benedict’s party. With the tension already palpable from her encounter with Benedict’s mother, Sloane will face not only the scrutiny of the esteemed pack but also the challenge of asserting her place within it. The stakes are high, and as she steps further into the lavish gathering, the atmosphere will shift dramatically, revealing unexpected alliances and hidden rivalries that threaten to overshadow her moment of triumph.

Moreover, the party is not merely a backdrop for social interaction; it serves as a catalyst for Sloane’s personal growth. As she interacts with familiar faces and new acquaintances alike, she may uncover secrets about her family’s past that could reshape her understanding of herself and her lineage. The whispers of her mother’s tragic history loom large, and Sloane will have to confront not only the prejudices of others but also her own feelings of inadequacy. Will she rise to the occasion and embrace her identity, or will the weight of her family’s legacy pull her under?

As the night unfolds, expect surprises that will keep readers on the edge of their seats—unexpected confrontations, potential romances, and perhaps even revelations that could change everything Sloane thought she knew. With the party’s atmosphere charged with anticipation, the next chapter promises to be a pivotal moment for Sloane as she steps into her destiny, ready or not.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.